Cheltenham residents could soon welcome a return to local births as plans advance to reopen the Aveta Birth Centre at Cheltenham General Hospital. The unit was temporarily closed in April 2022 due to safety concerns, leaving expectant mothers in the spa town without access to a nearby facility.
This prolonged closure has been a source of frustration for families wanting the choice to deliver their babies close to home. Now, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is making progress on safely reopening the birth centre and reinstating home birth services, potentially as early as this autumn.
Max Wilkinson, Cheltenham’s Liberal Democrat MP, has been a vocal advocate for reopening the unit, even raising the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions. “Cheltenham mums have been deprived of their choice to give birth locally for over four years – that choice must be restored,” he stated. “I have worked alongside the NHS, local councillors, and the community to push for this, taking the matter all the way to the Prime Minister. I remain vigilant until we receive official confirmation.”
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Hospital officials acknowledge the impact of the closure on family choices and emphasize that reopening plans are progressing, albeit with necessary preparations. “Ensuring the right workforce, training, and systems are in place is crucial to safely restore services,” said a spokesperson from Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The safety of mothers, babies, and staff remains the top priority as the hospital works toward reinstating the full range of maternity services. Families across Gloucestershire hope the birth centre’s doors will soon be open again, allowing Cheltonians to welcome their babies in the town once more.